Border controls at Gibraltar to be dismantled
Get ready for a smoother commute to work or a relaxing holiday in Gibraltar! In a major breakthrough, Spain, the EU, and the UK have decided to scrap border checks between Gibraltar and Spain, making land border crossing easier than ever before.
But before you break out the passport, remember that controls at the airport are still in place. So, whether you're flying in or out, be prepared for resorting to your documents.
The New Normal: Dual Border Checks at Gibraltar's Airport
The new deal means that the UK and Spanish authorities will share border control duties at the airport. While Gibraltar handles immigration and maintains public order on its territory, the Spanish authorities ensure the integrity of the Schengen Area, similar to the French police at London's St. Pancras station.
Goods and Customs: The Key to Smooth Crossings
To avoid long, tiresome checks, a new customs model will be introduced for goods. This way, extensive scrutiny is avoided, paving the way for easier and quicker border crossings.
An Agreement After Years of Uncertainty
The agreement is still pending finalization, signing, and ratification. However, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is confident that it will be ratified without a hitch.
Remember that Gibraltar, with its 96% populationvote favoring the EU in the 2016 Brexit referendum, is heavily dependent on the EU single market. As a financial and online gambling paradise, it has been a point of contention between Madrid and London for over three centuries.
Gibraltar: A Unique Case
With this agreement, Gibraltar becomes a unique case in border control, straddling two legal jurisdictions without the hassle of physical border checks at the land crossing. But don't forget your passport when flying in or out!
Stay tuned for further updates as we follow this developing story.
- Gibraltar
- Brexit
- Spain
- EU
- United Kingdom
Enrichment Data:- Dual Border Controls: Gibraltar and Spanish officials share border control duties at the airport and port, implementing both local and Schengen regulations.- Elimination of Land Border Checks: The agreement abolishes physical checks for individuals crossing the land border between Gibraltar and La Linea, promoting free movement for commuters and residents.- Customs and Goods: A bespoke customs model will be introduced to manage goods and avoid onerous checks, eventually leading to cooperation on customs and taxation to prevent distortions.- Balancing Security and Practicality: The agreement aims to maintain border security while addressing the unique realities of Gibraltar's geographic position and economic interdependence with Spain.
In the evolving landscape of Gibraltar's border control, a dual system will be instated at the airport, with UK and Spanish authorities collaborating to supervise immigration and customs. This new system, aiming to strike a balance between security and practicality, follows the abolition of land border checks between Gibraltar and La Linea. However, airport checks will remain for travelers flying in or out, underscoring the importance of carrying relevant documentation. Amid these changes, discussions over the agreement's finalization, signing, and ratification persist, highlighting the ongoing political implications for the community, particularly in light of Gibraltar's strong stance in favor of EU membership following the Brexit referendum.
